Balochistan’s Olive Oil Wins International Acclaim with Prestigious Award in New York”

In a historic achievement for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, Loralai Olives from Balochistan has won the Silver Award at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition the world’s largest olive oil contest. Competing against 1,200 global brands, this marks South Asia’s first-ever win in this category, putting Pakistan on the map as a producer of world-class olive oil.

The award-winning extra virgin olive oil was produced from the Arbequina variety grown in Loralai’s 30-acre orchard owned by farmer Abdul Jabbar. What makes this achievement remarkable is that just a decade ago, Jabbar was struggling with traditional crops like tomatoes and almonds that frequently incurred losses due to harsh weather and water scarcity. His shift to olive cultivation has now yielded 9,000 liters of oil last season alone, generating millions in profits.

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“This proves Pakistan can produce globally competitive olive ,” said Shaukat Rasul, CEO of Loralai Olives. “Winning among giants like Spain and Italy is an honor for all South Asia.”

Experts confirm Balochistan’s unique advantages – its olive trees yield double the oil (30 liters per 100kg fruit) compared to other Pakistani regions. The province’s climate allows year-round cultivation with minimal water, making it ideal for climate-resilient agriculture.

The recognition comes at a crucial time. Pakistan currently imports Rs. 3.5 billion worth of olive oil annually to meet its 4,500-ton demand. With 80 million wild and 5.6 million cultivated olive trees nationwide, the government’s Pakistan Olive Project aims to utilize 82 million hectares of uncultivated land an area larger than Spain’s olive farms.

“This could revolutionize our edible oil industry,” says Dr. Khair Muhammad Kakar, former head of Pakistan Oilseed Development Board. He notes olives also offer carbon credits (40 trees = 1 credit worth $20) and byproducts like medicinal teas gaining international demand.

The win has already attracted global buyers, with Loralai Olives securing new export contracts. As Pakistan works to reduce its $3 billion edible oil import bill, this achievement shines light on Balochistan’s untapped potential to transform national agriculture and economy.